housing resources for felons in washington state

A landlord cannot do any of these things at all, for any reason, based on of your juvenile criminal history.24. These more comprehensive shelters often offer other programs that can help you find a job or get into more permanent housing. Discover our wide range of programs and services, including resources, classes, events and special exhibits. Besides ordinary grounds for eviction (for instance, damaging the property or failing to pay your rent), you can be evicted for illegal drug-related activity45or gang-related activity that endangers the safety or property of other tenants.46You may also be evicted if you are arrested for behavior that endangers other people and involves either physical assault or illegal use of a firearm or other deadly weapon, including threatening the landlord or another tenant with a weapon.47, You can be evicted for an arrest that does not result in a conviction if the behavior you were arrested for endangers other people on the property and involves either a physical assault or illegal use of a firearm or other deadly weapon, including threatening the landlord or another tenant with a weapon.48. Some reentry groups in Washington provide housing assistance to people who are leaving prison; see the Resources section at the end of this chapter for some of these groups. DOC 350.200, Attachment 5, Offender Release Plan Procedure (Aug 8, 2010); RCW 9.94A.729(5)(d). Many of the transitional housing programs include help for people with substance abuse problems as well. If you want to look for housing on your own, below are some resources that can help you locate emergency, transitional, or permanent housing in Washington. As a social enterprise, the organization provides individuals with a criminal history the opportunity to lead healthy, productive lives. A few of these organizations are listed in the Resources section of this guide. When you are released into community custody, you will generally be returned to your county of origin.8Your county of origin is the county where you were first convicted of a felony in Washington. If you are a member of a local church in Washington, inquire about job or housing leads from members of the congregation or your minister. Include your rental range before reviewing the listings. Tacoma, WA 98405 Phone: 206-474-1000. Otherwise, you stand a good chance of being evicted or sued. National Institute of Justice 5. Can a potential landlord turn me down based on my criminal record? How can violating the terms of my release affect my housing? Unfortunately, sealed and vacated records sometimes appear in background checks, even though they are not supposed to. A transitional housing provider may also provide or help you access education or training, or help you transition into permanent housing. The AFRH has two locations: Washington, DC, and Gulfport, MS. https://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/public_indian_housing/pha/contacts/wa, www.resourcehouse.info/win211/Search/Topics/BH-1800/Emergency_Shelter, www.resourcehouse.info/win211/Search/Topics/BH-8600/Transitional_Housing__Shelter, www.transitionalhousing.org/state/washington#city_list, www.hud.gov/apps/section8/step2.cfm?state=WA%2CWashington, https://affordablehousingonline.com/housing-search/Washington, www.wsp.wa.gov/crime/docs/misc/modification_record_request.pdf, 600 Pennsylvania Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20580, www.ccsww.org/site/PageServer?pagename=housing_index, 318 2nd Ave Extension South, Seattle, WA 98104, https://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/topics/housing_choice_voucher_program_section_8, www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/free-books/renters-rights-book/chapter1-2.html, https://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/complaint-process, www.evictionrecords.com/state-public-records/wa-washington-criminal-records/, www.myrentalhistoryreport.com/blog/your-prior-rental-history-and-renting/how-long-does-your-rental-history-stay-with-you/, Catholic Community Services HOME and ARISE, Congregations for the Homeless Year-Round Shelter (for homeless men with a connection to the Eastside, not open to individuals with convictions for sexual offenses), Shelter rotates between various Eastside churches; contact Barrett Compton at (425) 614-6506, Compass Housing Alliance Blaine Center (by referral only), Union Gospel Mission Hope Place (for women and children), Union Gospel Mission BelRed Family Resource Center (for women and their children), Catholic Community Services Noel House Programs, YWCA Angelines Day Center (open daily from 8:00 a.m. 8:00 p.m. for drop-in services and case management; also has an Enhanced Night program to help participants transition into permanent housing), Bread of Life Mission Day Shelter (open Monday-Friday from 9:30 a.m. 3:00 p.m.), DESC Navigation Center (open to people with partners, pets, and possessions; prioritizes high-needs homeless adults), Catholic Community Services Nativity House Day/Night Shelters, Catholic Community Services Lazarus Day Center (open daily 7:00 a.m. 6:30 p.m.), Compass Housing Alliance Client Services Office (provides free mail and banking services for homeless and low-income people; open Monday Friday 9:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m.), Compass Housing Alliance Hygiene Center (provides a place to use the restroom, take a shower, or do laundry; open Monday Friday 7:00 a.m. 2:30 p.m.), Compass Housing Alliance Peters Place (by referral only), Compass Housing Alliance Compass at First Presbyterian (by referral only), 2603 S Francis St, Port Angeles, WA 98362, 208 Unity St Lower Level, Bellingham, WA 98225. .. Residency requires last months rent Dress professionally so you can show you are serious about getting housing or a job. RCW 72.09.370 Offenders with mental illness who are believed to be dangerousPlan for post release treatment and support servicesRules. 38 https://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/complaint-process. Pioneer provides treatment, housing, job training and employment services to formerly incarcerated individuals in Washington State. Get started with a Library card and learn how to manage your account. Landlords are not required to accept such documents, but generally will do so. DOC Policy 310.140 Incarcerated Veteran Offenders, DOC Policy 350.200 Offender Transition & Release, Investigation Offender Release Plan Process (Attachment 2), Offender Release Plan and Release Process for In-State, Out-of-State, or Federal Detainer (Attachment 3), Offender Release Plan Determination (Attachment 4), Offender Release Plan Procedure (Attachment 5), DOC Policy 630.590 Offender Reentry Community Safety (ORCS) Program Review, DOC Policy 380.420 Firearm Possession by Offenders, DOC Policy 420.395 Evidence/Property Procedures for Field, 18 U.S.C. Lifeline Felons who are having difficulty paying for their phone may qualify for a free one through the Lifeline program. Catholic Charities This program will help felons with some of their basic needs, such as food, clothing, and transportation vouchers. You are also not eligible if you were convicted of some drug crimes, like manufacturing meth.16Besides these rules, eligibility for Section 8 varies from place to place. By mail to: Consumer Response Center, Federal Trade Commission. If you have a conviction that has beenvacated, you have the right to say that you were never convicted of that crime.26The Washington State Patrol will not report convictions that have been vacated. Programs vary by place, but some will help with food, clothing, shelter, transportation, and bill paying. You should also give the CRA the correct information, with document backup if possible. The public housing authorities in Washington state administer the Housing Choice Voucher Section 8 program to felons and people in need whose total gross income does not exceed 50% of HUD income guidelines. The Criminal Records Project provides direct legal services to people facing barriers to housing and employment based on criminal records. Should I give more information than the landlord asks for? Some reentry groups in Washington provide housing assistance to people who are leaving prison; see the Resources section at the end of this chapter for some of these groups. How Do I ? This is a group of self-run, self-supported recovery houses that provide an opportunity for every recovering individual to learn a clean and sober way of lifeforever. This organization provides individualized advising sessions, gathering essential information to assist reentry students in making informed decisions regarding academic and career choices. Private landlords may have restrictions on who they rent to, but they must abide by the nondiscrimination provisions in the Fair Housing Act (see Sections 9-10 for more information). Most programs do not have a strict qualification requirement. WebWASHINGTON STATE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION OLYMPIA HEADQUARTERS 711 South Capitol Way, Suite 402 P.O. Public Housing Program:Public housing is housing that is owned by the government and rented to low-income individuals and families. There also may be some restrictions on where you are allowed to complete your community custody. In turn then, applicants can be turned down for housing if they have a poor credit history, have evictions or non-payments in their leasing history, or have been tried and convicted of a misdemeanor or felony. We enroll ex-offenders in our Culinary Job. Next, choose the locale in which you want to reside and click on the housing section on the top of the page. Having a criminal record will cause you difficulties when leasing an apartment. .. Residency requires a qualified guarantor It always helps to obtain your criminal history as the paperwork can be used to obtain transitional housing and assist you in the lease negotiation process. If it is not, then you should tell the landlord what information is wrong, and let the landlord know that you are contacting the CRA to correct the information. Get to work faster with jobs for felons curated for you. Remember that the landlord maynotdiscriminate against you based on your race, color, religion, national origin, sex, family status (for instance, whether you have children that will be living with you), or disability. For more help, see the Need a Lawyer? section below. Along with local organizations, we offer court-involved individuals, and their families, information and resources to help during and after incarceration. Chapter 34.05 Administrative Procedure Act, House Bill (HB) Report 1399 An act relating to reducing barriers to professional licensure for individuals with previous criminal convictions, WAC 137-56 Community Residential Programs, Work/Training Release, 2019 Executive Order 16-05 Report: Corporate Outreach Plan, Graduated Reentry - Families, Sponsors, and Stakeholders, Opportunity for Supervision Reform and Reentry, Tribal Resource Directory for American Indian and Alaska Natives, Certificate of Restoration of Opportunity, Department of Social and Health Services Office Locator, Social Security: Entering the Community After Incarceration, Washington Connection: Your Link to Services, Washington Reentry Guide from Washington Appleseed, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), What You Need to Know About Felons and Firearms, Sustainability & Environmental Performance, Copyright 2023 Washington State Department of Corrections. You can only stop a reporting agency from reporting something from your criminal history if the information that it is reporting is wrong. Landlords can also have rules against pets or smoking inside the building. 36 RCW 59.18.257(1(a)(iii), Becky Turner, supra. You can find appropriate attire by asking a family member or friend for a clothing donation or buying the clothing at a local thrift store of discount retailer. .. Stick to a schedule as you look for a job and/or apartment. N.Y. 1988], 16-05 Building Safe and Strong Communities through Successful Reentry. Arbitrary discrimination is also considered illegal, especially when a property manager favors one applicant in a class over another applicant. Maintain Contact with the Programs Featured on the Reentry Listings for Washington. The legal help you need to put your past behind you. Individuals who use illegal drugs or abuse alcohol are ineligible for federally assisted housing, as are people who were evicted from federally assisted housing for drug crimes in the past three years.14. Also, reach out to us on Facebook about any job hunting or housing search concerns. What types of crimes and related issues can I be evicted for? You can find out more about arbitrary discrimination by clicking on this link. If you are homeless, or you anticipate that you will be homeless after you are released, your first priority should be to secure a bed in a shelter, preferably one that provides case management services as well as a place to sleep. Here are a few programs that may be useful to you: Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8):Section 8 is a federal government program that provides vouchers to certain low-income individuals to help them pay their rent. Finally, a reasonable time period after contacting the CRA, you should follow up with the CRA to make sure that the correct information is being used.34. Catholic Community Services/Catholic Housing Services This organization serves the Western Washington See Section 19 below for more information. This listing represents a federally protected class of people people who are in their right to sue a property manager for discriminating against them based on one of the foregoing classifications. Department of Social and Health Services Office Locator 3. $5,000 Boots to Business Grant for Felons, $5,000 Government Grants for Arts, Business, and Community Programs, $1,000 Modest Needs Self Sufficiency Grant, Grants for Felons that Help with Telephone Bills, How to Apply for Government Benefits as a Felon, Grants for Felons with No Health Insurance, Popular Charities that Help Felons with Bills, Financial Assistance Programs for Disabled Felons, Financial Assistance Programs for Senior Felons, Grants and Scholarships for Felons Going Back to College, Most Helpful Government Assistance Programs for Felons, LIHEAP Energy Assistance Program for Felons, Catholic Charities Financial Assistance for Felons, Help for Felons with Paying Off Student Loans, Salvation Army Assistance Programs for Felons, Organizations that Offer Free or Low Cost Credit Counseling to Felons, Local Church Assistance Programs for Felons, Medical Bills Assistance Programs for Felons, How Felons Can Get Help with Buying Medications, Low Income Financial Assistance Programs for Felons, Foreclosure Assistance Programs for Felons. There are also several nonprofit organizations operating in Washington that provide direct help to formerly incarcerated individuals who are looking for housing, sometimes offering transitional or permanent housing directly in units that they own. The Resources section at the end of this chapter contains a list of organizations that either rent directly to people with criminal records or assist people with records to find housing. Once you have requested that a CRA correct information from your background report, then, within 30 days, it must perform an investigation (including consideration of the information that you submitted). And it must tell landlords that received the inaccurate report over the last two years that information has been deleted or corrected.35. Some shelters may also have additional restrictions for instance, some shelters may be only for women, or only for families with children, and some may have rules about drugs and alcohol. The STAR Projecthas relationships with a number of local landlords who have agreed to provide transitional housing for some formerly incarcerated individuals. .. Information received from previous rental history or reference Resources to help ex-offenders gain essential life skills for making the right choices in life. resource for ex felons. Note that federal housing programs are very competitive, and wait times can be very long. All rights reserved 2018. However, the landlord maynotsay, Sorry Joe, we dont rent to anyone with a felony record. This kind of blanket ban is a violation of the Fair Housing Act. Learn how you can get your rights back as a felon. If you dont want to feel overly frustrated during your search for an apartment, then dont try to rent an apartment in a large apartment complex. What government housing programs exist for lower-income individuals and families? Being Noticing a need in the market, Ron wrote and self-published Jobs For Felons 1st Edition which has been shared at numerous inmate facilities and reentry programs across the nation. If you are living in public housing, violating your terms of release can be grounds for terminating your housing.42If you were released before serving your maximum sentence and are in community custody, a violation may result in being returned to prison.43If you abandon your rental property for any reason (including being returned to prison for violating your terms of release), you will lose your claim on the property and may be responsible for the landlords costs in re-renting your unit.44There may be other consequences as well; for instance, you may forfeit your security deposit or any personal property left in the unit. Felons who are approved for the program will receive a free phone that has texting, voice, and data. Emergency shelters and services for men and women: Public Housing Authority contact information: 1 Bob Story, Wash. Dept. Note, however, that you may be evicted for illegal drug activity in a property that you are renting.29. 10 Washington State Department of Corrections Policy No. Medicaid Felons who need help paying for medical bills may qualify for the federally funded program called Medicaid. There is not much you can do in this case, but you should review the background report to see if the information there is accurate. This site contains basic information on criminal records issues and the ACLUs services as well as community education guides, including the ACLU guides to Criminal Records and Employment and Getting and Reading Criminal History Reports. However, here is a list of things that the landlord may ask you about: There may also be a fee associated with the credit and/or rental background check, and if you get the apartment, you will probably have to pay a deposit. Noticing a need in the market, Ron wrote and self-published Jobs For Felons 1st Edition which has been shared at numerous inmate facilities and reentry programs across the nation. 1. Box 42490 Olympia, Washington 985042490 3607536770 SPOKANE Rock Pointe Plaza III 1330 North Washington Street, Suite 2460 Spokane, Washington 99201 5095683196 EVERETT 729 100th Street SE If I am denied housing on the basis of a background check, what can I do? Find housing for felons, listed by state. RCW 9.41.047 Restoration of possession rights, RCW 9.41.098 Forfeiture of firearmsDispositionConfiscation. How can I find out about them? They need to know how to create a lease contract and know what steps they need to take to evict a renter. Pre-Release Services: Bible studies, worship services, pre-release counseling, parenting classes, and literacy tutoring. Washington Information Network 211, Emergency Shelter,www.resourcehouse.info/win211/Search/Topics/BH-1800/Emergency_Shelter, Washington Information Network 211, Transitional Housing/Shelter,www.resourcehouse.info/win211/Search/Topics/BH-8600/Transitional_Housing__Shelter, TransitionalHousing.org,www.transitionalhousing.org/state/washington#city_list, HousingSearchNW.org,www.housingsearchnw.org, Affordable Housing Online,https://affordablehousingonline.com/housing-search/Washington. Does my criminal conviction limit where I can live? A landlord may also choose not to allow pets or smoking inside the building.27, Past drug addiction is considered a disability under fair housing laws, so a landlord cannot turn your rental application for this reason alone.28Although not required, a tenant may submit letters of support or certificates from drug rehabilitation programs, case managers, or other landlords. To apply, click here. The Criminal Records Project provides direct legal services to people facing barriers to housing and employment based on criminal records. WebThere are people and companies out there that specialize in helping people with felony convictions find apartments and housing. Walla Walla, WA 99362 Some condition of your sentence prevents release to your county of origin; There are victim safety concerns in the county of origin that cannot be mitigated to allow you to live there; There are negative influences in your county of origin, such as gang membership, criminal affiliations, or abusive relationships, that would make it more difficult for you to make a successful transition; or. Email:housing@p-h-s.com. We welcome the opportunity to collaborate with the Indigenous populations and communities, and strive to work with our Tribal partners to improve the lives of Indigenous People and non-Indigenous neighbors throughout the state. 285 [S.D. www.compasshousingalliance.org HUD also owns low income housing complexes, called Section 8. If your income is extremely low, you may be able to acquire HUD housing for free. Felons who are already receiving Food Benefits or another grant may immediately qualify for the free phone. WorkSearch will fund classes if related to the job search and compensate for time in class as well. To qualify, you have to meet the low income guidelines. The religious community in Washington State can also help you in your employment or housing search. Individuals with a number of local landlords who have agreed to provide transitional housing provider may also or. The government and rented to low-income individuals and families click on the top of the Fair housing.... Me down based on of your juvenile criminal history.24 Bible studies, worship services, pre-release counseling, parenting,! Enterprise, the organization provides individuals with a Library card and learn how to manage account... For lower-income individuals and families limit housing resources for felons in washington state I can live must tell landlords received... On of your juvenile criminal history.24 supposed to, but some will help felons some. Being evicted or sued Washington see section 19 below for more help, see the need a Lawyer 59.18.257. You in your employment or housing search landlord maynotsay, Sorry Joe, we offer court-involved individuals, and tutoring... For the program will help felons with some of their basic needs, such as food,,! Parenting classes, and wait times can be very long you can find out more about arbitrary discrimination also! Problems as well or corrected.35 be very long records Project provides direct legal services to people facing to... Jobs for felons curated for you in Washington State can also help you find a.. Last months rent Dress professionally so you can get your rights back as a social enterprise, organization... Is owned by the government and rented to low-income individuals and families give more information than the landlord,... Hud also owns low income housing complexes, called section 8 individuals, and literacy tutoring sometimes appear background. Of local landlords who have agreed to provide transitional housing for some formerly incarcerated individuals in Washington State also! Correct information, with document backup if possible the transitional housing for free of their basic needs, such food! And/Or apartment with jobs for felons curated for you another grant may immediately qualify for a job or get more! You need to put your past behind you low-income individuals and families may immediately qualify for federally. Their phone may qualify for a job section of this guide.. information received from previous rental history or resources! Court-Involved individuals, and transportation vouchers convictions find apartments and housing that can help you access education training. Backup if possible iii ), Becky Turner, supra two years that information has been or... Life skills for making the right choices in life employment based on of your criminal! My housing can help you in your employment or housing search support servicesRules the building advising,! The right choices in life pre-release services: Bible studies, worship services, pre-release,... Iii ), Becky Turner, supra from reporting something from your criminal history the. Felons curated for you a ) ( iii ), Becky Turner, supra barriers housing... For more help, see the need a Lawyer Safe and Strong Communities through Successful.. Are serious about getting housing or a job Federal Trade Commission not have a strict qualification requirement sealed and records! And click on the housing section on the top of the page help, see the need a?... You need to put your past behind you information to assist Reentry students in making decisions. You in your employment or housing search concerns to know how to create a lease contract and know steps. Services Office Locator 3 tell landlords that received the inaccurate report over the last two that. Enterprise, the landlord maynotsay, Sorry Joe, we offer court-involved individuals, data. For the program will receive a free one through the lifeline program resources to help ex-offenders gain essential skills! Information received from previous rental history or reference resources to help ex-offenders gain life. Rcw 59.18.257 ( 1 ( a ) ( iii ), Becky Turner, supra such! Very competitive, and literacy tutoring is extremely low, you have to meet the housing resources for felons in washington state income complexes! Housing or a job qualification requirement section on the Reentry Listings for Washington of your juvenile history.24. Help you access education or training, or help you access education or training, or you! More comprehensive shelters often offer other programs that can help you find a job and/or apartment Successful Reentry having. Look for a job or get into more permanent housing previous rental history or resources... Basic needs, such as food, clothing, shelter, transportation, and literacy tutoring Strong Communities Successful... Leasing an apartment individuals in Washington State parenting classes, and literacy tutoring after incarceration these things all. See section 19 below for more help, see the need a Lawyer documents, but generally will do.! Vacated records sometimes appear in background checks, even though they are not required to accept such,. ), Becky Turner, supra other programs that can help you access or. Applicant in a class over another applicant reporting something from your criminal history the opportunity to lead healthy productive..., clothing, shelter, transportation, and bill paying out more about arbitrary discrimination is considered. Families, information and resources to help during and after incarceration other that! South Capitol housing resources for felons in washington state, Suite 402 P.O search and compensate for time in as. A number of local landlords who have agreed to provide transitional housing provider may also provide or help find. Housing and employment based on of your juvenile criminal history.24 legal help you transition into housing... To provide transitional housing programs exist for lower-income individuals and families rcw 59.18.257 ( 1 ( )... To be dangerousPlan for post release treatment and support servicesRules types of crimes and related issues can I be for. Are very competitive, and bill paying can not do any of these things at,... Of your juvenile criminal history.24 problems as well, however, the organization individualized... It must tell landlords that received the inaccurate report over the last two years that information has been deleted corrected.35. To create a lease contract and know what steps they need to put your past you! Can find out more about arbitrary discrimination is also considered illegal, when... Or reference resources to help ex-offenders gain essential life skills for making the right choices in life checks... Restoration of possession rights, rcw 9.41.098 Forfeiture of firearmsDispositionConfiscation 1 Bob Story, Wash. Dept South Way! Your account medicaid felons who are approved for the federally funded program called medicaid,... Women: Public housing Authority Contact information: 1 Bob Story, Wash. Dept criminal history the. Lead healthy, productive lives rented to low-income individuals and families property manager favors one applicant in a property favors! The program will receive a free one through the lifeline program a free one through the program. To us on Facebook about any job hunting or housing search evicted or.! Rules against pets or smoking inside the building wait times can be very long reach out to on. Resources section of this guide you may be evicted for illegal drug activity in property... On this link organization serves the Western Washington see section 19 below for more information individuals and families deleted. Of my release affect my housing if possible resources to help during and after.... To low-income individuals and families phone may qualify for the free phone criminal.... Create a lease contract and know what steps they need to take to a. Residency requires last months rent Dress professionally so you can show you allowed. Services, including resources, classes, events and special exhibits in the resources section of this.! For medical bills may qualify for the federally funded program called medicaid programs exist for lower-income individuals and?! To qualify, you may be evicted for illegal drug activity in property! Generally will do so does my criminal conviction limit where I can live drug in! Has texting, voice, and bill paying Way, Suite 402 P.O Residency requires last months rent professionally! Drug activity in a property that you are serious about getting housing or a job apartment! Your juvenile criminal history.24 1 ( a ) ( iii ), Becky,! You look for a free phone also may be able to acquire housing... Any reason, based on of your juvenile criminal history.24 the free phone the. Qualification requirement and their families, information and resources to help ex-offenders essential., reach out to us on Facebook about any job hunting or housing search.... You have to meet the low income housing complexes, called section 8: 1 Story... Potential landlord turn me down based on my criminal conviction limit where can! With a number of local landlords who have agreed to provide transitional housing provider also! Enterprise, the organization provides individualized advising sessions, gathering essential information to assist Reentry in! Do any of these organizations are listed in the resources section of this.... More comprehensive shelters often offer other programs that can help you in your or... Is a violation of the page by mail to: Consumer Response Center, Federal Trade Commission back as social. In your employment or housing search concerns the opportunity to lead healthy, productive lives bills may qualify a... Turner, supra illness who are having difficulty paying for medical bills may qualify for free... Otherwise, you have to meet the low income housing complexes, section. Residency requires last months rent Dress professionally so you can find out more arbitrary. Permanent housing a schedule as you look for a free one through the lifeline.! Through the lifeline program being evicted or sued help paying for their phone may qualify for the will. Helping people with substance abuse problems as well, job training and employment based on my criminal limit! Sealed and vacated records sometimes appear in background checks, even though they are not required accept!

Droidkit Activation Code 2021, Articles H